Schools of Wellness Initiative: Broward and Palm Beach 4th & 5th Graders to Get an Education in Fitness and Nutrition Awareness
First Year’s Participating Schools
BROWARD COUNTY
- Charles Drew Elementary
Pompano Beach - Eagle Point Elementary
Weston - Fairway Elementary
Miramar - Hallandale Elementary
Hallandale - Lloyd Estates Elementary
Oakland Park - Sea Castle Elementary
Miramar - Tedder Elementary
Pompano Beach - Village Elementary
Sunrise
PALM BEACH COUNTY
- Calusa Elementary
Boca Raton - Hammock Pointe Elementary
Boca Raton - Orchard View Elementary
Delray Beach - Pine Grove Elementary
Delray Beach - Plumos Elementary
Delray Beach - S.D. Spady Elementary
Delray Beach - Verde Elementary
Boca Raton - Village Academy Elementary
Delray Beach
January 2005 — Fourth and 5th graders in 50 public elementary schools throughout Broward and Palm Beach County are learning how to live healthier lives through the Schools of Wellness Initiative, a $1.4 million first-of-its-kind regional collaboration funded in part by a matching grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in partnership with local funding from the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, Health Foundation of South Florida and the Quantum Foundation.
The Schools of Wellness Initiative is a three-part program that includes a school-based physical activity component called SPARK (Sports Play and Active Recreation for Kids) Lifelong Wellness Program, an incentive-oriented walking component called South Florida Moves and a social marketing campaign to promote positive, healthy lifestyle choices.
“After education, the health and safety of our students are priorities for us at the Broward County Public Schools,” says Carole Andrews, Chair, School Board of Broward County. “This program appears to be an excellent way of teaching our children good fitness and nutritional practices early in life so they can live safe and healthy lives.”
Measuring Success
At the beginning of each school year, Schools of Wellness Initiative staff measures and records the Body Mass Index (BMI) of every student participating in the program. Results of SPARK and the walking programs are recorded on a weekly basis by staff and students. This information is measured against program standards at the end of the school year to demonstrate its success in lowering student BMIs.
“The School District of Palm Beach County has been working closely with community partners to ensure the health and safety of our students,” says Tom Lynch, Chair, School Board of Palm Beach County. “With this program, we are confident our students will continue on the path of increased fitness and nutrition awareness.”
The Schools of Wellness Initiative is being implemented at 50 public elementary schools within Broward and Palm Beach Counties on a staggered basis, with 16 schools in the first year, 18 schools the second year and 16 schools the third year. Schools were chosen for participation on the following basis: chronic health conditions (asthma, BMIs above 25, diabetes and hypertension); existing Partners in Education partnerships with the Healthcare Districts; and/or a high percentage (more than 50 percent) of students participating in the federal government’s Free and Reduced Lunch Program.
Improving Wellness One Student at a Time
The Schools of Wellness Initiative promotes lifelong wellness skills, emphasizing physical activity and culturally sensitive nutrition. The ultimate goal is to improve the health, academic performance and attendance of elementary school children, thereby decreasing the alarming rate of childhood obesity throughout our local community.
The Schools of Wellness Initiative is composed of a unique regional alliance of collaborative partners — Health Care District of Palm Beach County, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, North Broward Hospital District, the School Board of Broward County, the School District of Palm Beach County and the YMCA of South Palm Beach County.